Optical Engineer, Ph.D. – Early Career

Jobtailor; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Canada seeks a highly skilled optics researcher to design and transition optical sub-systems from research prototypes to manufacturable solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams on precision optical sources, fiber networks, and in-system telemetry in the O-band.

The role emphasizes translating concepts into practical prototypes, validating performance, and aligning with system-level requirements, while leveraging tools like SolidWorks, Lumerical, and Altium.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a closely related field or equivalent research training required.
• Experience with fiber-based optical systems and O-band preferred.
• Hands-on experience with optical test instrumentation and lab measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis and automation.
• Strong communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience transitioning research concepts into manufacturable or scalable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and engineering of optical sub-systems advancing the quantum computing roadmap.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition designs from prototypes to manufacturable solutions.
• Contribute to design, modeling, building, and testing of sub-systems with precision optical sources and fiber networks.
• Assist in developing fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems and perform optical characterization.

Skills

Fiber-based optical systems

Optical modeling

Python for data analysis

Optical test instrumentation

Data analysis

Optical design

Education

Ph.D. in Optics

Engineering Physics

Tools

SolidWorks

Lumerical

Altium

Job description

• Support the design and engineering of optical sub-systems advancing the quantum computing roadmap
• Work with cross-functional science and engineering teams to transition optical sub-system designs from research prototypes into reliable, manufacturable solutions
• Contribute to the design, modeling, building, and testing of sub-systems incorporating precision optical sources, single-photon fiber networks, and in-system telemetry in the O-band regime
• Ensure alignment with system-level requirements
• Contribute to optical design and validation flows, including tools, modeling approaches, and testing methodologies
• Support specification and modeling of optical link architectures
• Assist in developing fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems
• Perform optical characterization, testing, and data analysis to validate performance against requirements
• Track technical performance metrics including stability, reliability, noise sensitivity, and environmental robustness
• Collaborate with integrated photonics and quantum systems teams
• Contribute to telemetry and control schemes for monitoring and optimizing optical parameters
• Support evaluation of new component technologies and innovation efforts

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Optics, Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field
• Strong foundation in fiber-based optical systems; C- or O-band experience preferred
• Experience with optical modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools
• Hands-on experience with optical test instrumentation and laboratory measurement techniques
• Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for data analysis and automation
• Demonstrated ability to translate research concepts into practical experimental or prototype systems
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Experience transitioning research systems toward manufacturable or scalable solutions
• Familiarity with CAD/modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Lumerical, or Altium
• Exposure to intellectual property development or technology commercialization
• Experience in a startup or high-growth research environment
• Recent Ph.D. graduates and Postdoctoral Fellows encouraged to apply

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical sub-system design and engineering, with a strong foundation in fiber-based optical systems and proficiency in optical modeling and data analysis. Capable of collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to transition research prototypes into manufacturable solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Ph.D. In Optics
• Fiber-Based Optical Systems
• Optical Modeling And Simulation
• Python For Data Analysis
• Optical Test Instrumentation

Hard Skills

• Optical Design
• Data Analysis
• Optical Characterization
• Testing Methodologies
• Electro-Optical Assemblies
• Optical Link Architectures
• Telemetry And Control Schemes
• Technical Performance Metrics
• Research To Prototype Translation
• Manufacturable Solutions

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication Skills
• Collaboration Across Teams

Industry Keywords

• Quantum Computing
• Integrated Photonics
• C-Band
• O-Band
• Intellectual Property Development
• Technology Commercialization
• High-Growth Research Environment

Tools & Technologies

• SolidWorks
• Lumerical
• Altium
• Optical Test Instrumentation